Nasal septum deviations in newborns: Literature review

Nasal septal deviations in newborns (NSDN) represent a relevant and relatively underexplored problem in neonatal otorhinolaryngology. Anatomical and functional features of the nasal cavity in newborns determine the high clinical significance of even minor deformities of the septum, which can lead to impaired nasal breathing, difficulty in sucking and breastfeeding, the development of hypoxia and negatively affect the adaptation and general physical development of the child. The purpose was to analyse and systematise contemporary scientific literature data on the aetiology and pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic methods and therapeutic tactics for nasal septal deviation in newborns. An analytical review of scientific publications has been conducted, including original clinical studies, review articles, and dissertations on the anatomical and physiological features of the nasal septum in newborns, the mechanisms of its deformity, and the results of conservative and surgical treatment. The analysis showed that deformities of the nasal septum in newborns can develop both in the antenatal period due to the specifics of intrauterine development, and intranatal – as a result of birth trauma. It was revealed that the clinical manifestations of NSDN vary from minimal functional disorders to severe obstruction of the nasal passages. Long-term consequences of septal deformities can contribute to the development of chronic inflammatory diseases of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, malocclusion, and the development of persistent rhinological pathology at an older age. Contemporary diagnostic methods allow detecting NSDN in the early stages of life, and therapeutic approaches are focused on individualised, mostly gentle tactics, considering age and degree of deformity. NSDN, despite their relatively low prevalence, have significant clinical and prognostic significance. This necessitates the early detection of this pathology, an interdisciplinary approach, and an informed choice of therapeutic tactics to prevent functional disorders and long-term complications